Ex-Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick appointed new Barcelona boss on a two-year deal; LaLiga club sacked Xavi just a month after convincing him to stay on in role; Spaniard announced in January his desire to leave club at end of the season but reversed his decision
Wednesday 29 May 2024 21:04, UK
Hansi Flick has been appointed the new Barcelona head coach.
The former Bayern Munich and Germany boss has signed a two-year deal at the Nou Camp.
Flick replaces Xavi, who was sacked a month after Barcelona had persuaded him to stay on as manager, after he initially planned to leave at the end of this campaign. The 44-year-old took the Catalans to the Champions League quarter-finals where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain.
"FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to become men's first-team football coach until 30 June 2026," a club statement read.
Flick was dismissed by Germany in September following a 4-1 friendly defeat to Japan on the back of a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He served as assistant coach to Joachim Low when his country won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, before clinching back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League during a two-season stay with Bayern.
Speaking in a video posted by Barca on X, Flick said: "First of all I would like to say thank you to everyone (involved). It's a big honour and also a dream for me to sign my contract here in Barcelona, to work for this amazing club, and I'm happy to start.
"The club is unbelievable. The hours I'm here in Barcelona, it's amazing because everyone here in the club loves this club and tries to give their best so they have success.
"The philosophy they have is similar to mine - ball possession and really attacking football, these are the things I love.
"I won some titles with Bayern Munich and my hunger is really big for titles. I would like to stay on this path with Barcelona and I think we can achieve a lot together."
The 59-year-old succeeds a predecessor who was appointed in November 2021 to manage the club where he won 25 major trophies as a player.
Xavi steered the team from ninth place in LaLiga to the runners-up spot following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.
Barca were crowned champions in his first full season in charge, but they subsequently failed to mount a serious challenge this time round, surrendering their title to rivals Real Madrid.
Earlier this week, Xavi warned his successor to be prepared to "suffer" in the job.
"To the new manager, I tell you: You will suffer. This is a very complicated place to be," Xavi said after his final match in charge, a 2-1 win over Sevilla.
"This is a difficult job and you have to be patient."
Xavi does not have another job lined up and is prepared to wait for the right offer.
He said: "Nothing is closed. I'm a professional, let's see what happens in the future. Of course I'm open (to a new job), but I think 100 per cent I need to rest a little bit.
"It's so difficult to coach Barcelona. It's been tough last week, but I have my conscience very clear. I'm proud and happy.
"When we got here we knew it was a difficult time for the club and I think we can be proud of the work we have done."
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